Panerai trouble

[911wise]

Hi all
I purchased a Panerai Luminor 1950 nearly two years ago. The watch has hardly been used on in the main because I quickly found out how easily it scratched and picked up marks. I made a small dent in case catching it on side of plug socket while removing a plug from wall!

Anyway I wore the watch on a recent holiday came back put watch in safe, decided to wear it month later, and on winding could not get the hands to align properly. I tool it back to Watches of Switzerland who sent it to Panerai to be repaired as it was still under warranty.

Today I have received a bill for £600 to have the watch fixed they have pointed to marks in the case saying it has been subjected to several shocks (dropped).

I have been on the phone to watches of Switzerland today bounced around all departments and frankly they don’t want to know.

I’m aware that it’s my word against there’s but the watch has barley seen the light of day. Surely should be up to taking the odd knock through normal wear?

My Rolex submariner is 15 yearsold and I’ve worn it virtually everyday through all sorts and there’s hardly a mark on it.

Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go from here? I’m looking at contacting trading standards etc. Or is life too short for this? Should I just get it repaired sell it put it down to bad experience and move on?
Any pointers of help would be great fully received

Thanks

Simon

[911wise]

Sorry about image. I’m sure you can see what I mean though now!

[911wise]

I think it’s pretty clear from conversations with Watches of Switzerland they don’t care much about future business etc.

I think a repair at a independent jeweller then move it on is best bet. Shame it’s a lovely looking watch, just fragile.

[911wise]

garyhun said:

I’ve been contemplating a Luninor Carbotech so this is a little concerning.

Is this an unlucky one-off?

The watch is a lovely looking watch and it kept great time. I don’t believe the steel used to make the case to be as hard wearing or durable of that used by Rolex or omega.

Panerai and Watches of Switzerland attitude in all of this has been less than great. Panerai especially.

[911wise]

ChrisPackit said:

Thats a shame to here about that. I wear a Panerai more often than most of my others and can report that I've never had any issues in 2 years of ownership, and an occasional polish at home brings it up looking like new. I can also vouch for Joe at Anglesey though, so he might be worth a go...

I’m more disappointed with Panerai stance. They have even cited the minuscule scratches on the mirror polished bezel as a sign of abuse!

[911wise]

Basically a £6000 watch that does not stand up to been worn in normal circumstances for 20-30 days in nearly 2 years.

[911wise]

lostkiwi said:

I'd be interested to see better pictures of the watch and know what basis Panerai are claiming mishandling. We only have the OPs side of the story

You do only have my side. What would I have to gain by coming on here and lying?

I stand to gain nothing from this post other than to vent a bit of frustration.

[911wise]

CardShark said:

You say that your Rolex is 15 years old, if so then I'm pretty sure that it'll be made of the same steel as your Panerai - 316L. Rolex changed to 904 steel at some point, though it depends on the model as to when.

Regardless, there's no difference in material hardness between one steel and the other. Rolex tend to be smaller than Panerais so there's less chance of them being knocked on the wrist, the fact that it's showing less wear than your Panerai won't be down to the steel.

I hope you resolve the issue with the handset, I can understand why you're frustrated with the situation.

Edited by CardShark on Tuesday 21st August 17:50

The size does come in to play. Larger surface area , more exposed areas. When I get it back I will show pics of mark which I got from catching on plug socket. Maybe it is more pronounced because of it been on a large brushed uniform surface.

Same with the bezel because it’s mirror polished you notice the scratches/abrasions more. Maybe I should have worn it more, give it some patina then any mark would be less noticeable if that makes sense.

[911wise]

Armitage.Shanks said:

Have to say that looks like shock damage or somehow the pinion has moved off centre. Looks like the hour hand is more advanced between the 7 and 8 than it should be for 32 minutes past the hour. Do the hands align at midnight?

Not had a problem with Panerai but would I let Panerai group service it? Nope given the negative feedback from many sources.

I can’t remember where the hands are at midnight.

I’m putting final touches to an email I’m sending to WOS tomorrow.

Worst case scenario I’ll pick it up when I get back off holiday, have it repaired by someone reputable then. Either keep it give another go, I did like it. Or move it on for something else and just put it down to experience.

[911wise]

I might have forgot to mention I dropped it off the top of the Shard!

[911wise]

jules_s said:

Do you have an itemised breakdown for the repair?

Panerai do seem to like replacing the hands/face unless you distinctly tell them otherwise..

Well that’s another thing. The charge is £510 for a service with new hands that will be realigned during service, £75 for a polish.

[911wise]

After a bit of complaining things may have taken a positive turn. It may take a few days but I’ll report back with outcome.

[911wise]

Hi all

An update.

After further complaining Watches of Switzerland sent watch back to Panerai. A few weeks passed but last week I got the phone call stating that Panerai were standing firm due to marks on case.

Photo isn’t great but it gives an idea of what we are talking about.

Anyhow going on recommendations on here I have contacted Joe Macari and will be sending him watch to repair this week.

Rather than dwell on it I’ll take it as a lesson and move on.

Thanks for all the advise and opinions

Simon

[911wise]

I can see where they’re coming from. As said before that was done removing a plug from behind a tv unit.
My gripe was how easy it marked and subsequently damaged.

15 years of day in day out wear. I know surface area is smaller etc but it is without doubt harder metal.